Maharashtra govt exempts tolls for Ganesh devotees travelling to Konkan from September 5 to 19

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 4 (ANI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced a toll exemption for Ganesh devotees travelling to Konkan from September 5 to September 19. A government resolution regarding this was issued on Wednesday.
The exemption will apply at toll booths on the Mumbai-Bengaluru National Highway, the Mumbai-Goa National Highway, and other roads under the Public Works Department.
During a review meeting on Ganesh festival preparations held on August 14, the Chief Minister directed the Public Works Department to provide toll exemptions and other facilities for devotees travelling to Konkan. Accordingly, the Public Works Department has issued the government resolution today.
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha and is one of the most popular Hindu festivals, lasting for 10 days. It is believed that during this time, Lord Ganesha descends to Earth with his mother, Goddess Parvati.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024, which falls on September 7, will see the joyous celebration of Lord Ganesha's birth. Devotees across India and abroad prepare vibrant pandals, offer prayers, and perform rituals to seek blessings for wisdom and prosperity. The festival concludes with the grand *visarjan*, where Ganesha idols are immersed in water bodies amidst chants and music.
The festive period is also known as 'Vinayak Chaturthi' or 'Vinayak Chavithi'. The festival honours Ganesha as the 'God of New Beginnings' and the 'Remover of Obstacles', as well as the deity of wisdom and intelligence.
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra, with lakhs of devotees converging on mandals to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha.
For the festivities, people bring Ganesha idols into their homes, observe fasts, prepare mouth-watering delicacies, and visit pandals throughout the festival. (ANI)